"Fast and Furious 8" assembles casts as early as possible for the "Furious 7" sequel that will invade the theaters two years later. After lead actor Vin Diesel gave a sneak peek on the plan for developments about the film a month ago, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson confirmed his return to reprise his role as well.
With the success of "Furious 7" that has crossed a huge $1.5 Billion worldwide not long after its release, it comes as no-brainer in the business standpoint that Universal Studios will be planning ahead for the follow-up movie.
Johnson seemed to be excited about the sequel as much as Diesel even though he was quoted saying he talked to his co-star about giving the fans enough time to hype down the movie first and "create a little space" before bombing them with the part eight.
Though this did not create unnecessary apprehensions on whether "The Rock" might not be coming back anymore - because he is and no one is stopping him. His recent statement albeit short made it all quite clear that he will still be a part of the sequel. "Of course. It can't go on without Hobbs," says Johnson during the promotion of his current movie "San Andreas."
Ever since his entrance to the franchise, the movie has become so familiar with him in it that it will be quite hard to see the future "Fast and Furious" installments without DSS Federal Agent Luke Hobbs.
In addition, the company is having thoughts about zooming him in the picture, and Johnson also confirmed that they have indeed talked about a possible spin-off for Hobbs.
"We all are interested in it. I just had a big conversation with the studio. So we'll see. I still think for me personally we've created a little bit of space for him in 7 and the gauge is set for what the audience will want. That's my take on it, you know, but a lot of other people have to have input."
Meanwhile, one of the possible locations for the upcoming movie is the Philippines. Vin Diesel once stated during the promotions of "Fast and Furious 6" in Mall of Asia Arena about him falling in love with the country and saying he wants to shoot the next films there.
"Our tour here was so incredible that when I go back to LA and when we start doing, developing 7, 8, 9, I will tell Universal that I want to shoot in the Philippines. That is because of you," Diesel said at the premiere night," Diesel previously said.
The "Furious 7" has not been shot in the country's humble streets yet. The Philippine fans are still waiting for the reality of Diesel's promise and since the filming has not begun yet, Universal might notice the country.
"Fast and Furious 8" is expected to hit global 2D and 3D cinemas on April 14, 2017.
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